Real Boxing Review

Real Boxing is a great looking take on the sweet science. But does it back those graphics up?

Real Boxing feels more like a game of Infinity Blade than a serious take on boxing. Rather than surgically dismantling an opponent, Real Boxing rewards well timed counter punching. Whenever an opponent swings at the player, a quick tap on a dodge button will see them duck away from the punch. This leaves the opponent open to devastating counter moves. There is a basic career mode on offer although it is simply a series of matches with no story or interesting twists. It feels very cut and dried. The only other mode is one off fights, either multiplayer or against the AI.

Real Boxing has a number of serious issues that really undermine what could have been an excellent game. For example the counter system is fundamentally broken as it stands. If the player manages to counter a punch from an opponent it is entirely possible for that opponent to counter the playerâ€™s counter, usually resulting in a unavoidable punch that renders the boxer dizzy, leaving them wide open to be pummeled until they hit the mat. This countering counter system is completely unfair as its impossible to know beforehand if an opponent will counter you and nigh on impossible to avoid since the attack comes out of nowhere.

The game is wildly unbalanced. At the start of career mode your boxer is just far too slow to dodge or react, let alone counter punch properly and his punches inflict almost no damage. Opponents on the other hand can definitely hurt you and can easily send you to the floor in 4 or 5 hits.

Real Boxing is extremely focused around a pay to win mechanic. The game features a gym to boost the boxerâ€™s stats with some simple minigames, but the player must pay coins for these visits and they provide minuscule benefits. It can take multiple visits for a stat to rise a single percentage point. Free gym visits are offered every 5 fights but this is hardly compelling since it is nearly impossible to defeat an opponent anyway. The game also allows direct boosting of stats though large payments of coins which can be bought with real cash.

While the graphics are technically proficient, there is a startling similarity between boxers in Real Boxing. Rather than being individual people, it looks as though parts of boxers have been cut and pasted in random orders to create different people. A lot of the pugilists on offer look very similar and there are no licensed fighters. The much touted customization options donâ€™t amount to much as they cost coins, which are much better spent training.

Real Boxing is not a fun game. Its punishing difficulty, lack of interesting play modes and annoying pay to win mechanics make it a frustrating experience.

Real Boxing Review Rundown

8.0

Graphics/Sound - Looks good, but the similar boxers are noticeable. Very poor commentary.

5.0

Controls - Really poor controls with all but the best boxers.

5.0

Gameplay - Extremely punishing difficulty and very focused on pay to win

4.0

Replay Value - Players will be turned off by the reliance on micro transactions and resulting unfairness of bouts.

5.5

Overall - Real Boxing could have been a contender but unfortunately some invasive IAPs and poor balancing put an end to that idea.